Your the Bees Knees.

Hello and thank you for popping over and having a read of my blog. This blog post is full of tutorial details, pictures and links to the main products I have used from both Hunkydory Crafts and Stix2. 

When I was thinking of a design of card to make I started by just stamping out the stamps and when I came to the triple honeycomb stamps on the Bees Knees stamp sheet, I instantly thought of some sort of hexagon shape to have on the front of the card. This is when my ScanNCut yet again comes in very handy indeed. The quickness of setting up the shapes on the screen and cutting them out on all the coloured card stock I wanted them cut out of was very much time saving. It's one of those cards that I really enjoyed creating from the start to finish. 

 The products I have used to create this card are as followed;

  

Hunkydory Crafts;

"Ink Me" card stock

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/ink-me-professional-stamping-card-50-sheet-value-pack-stamp112.html

Bees knees Stamp set 

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/wishes-on-wings-stamp-set-bees-knees-silstamp103.html

Wishes on Wings - Honeybees and Ladybugs

http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/stylish-silhouettes-wishes-on-wings-honeybees-ladybugs-sil1003.html

3mm black gems 

Stix2;

9mm double sided tape

http://www.stix2.co.uk/double-sided-tapes/double-sided-flushedge-tisssue-tape-9mmx50m

2mm 3D foam pads 

http://www.stix2.co.uk/craft-foam-pads-tapes/foam-pads-19mm-x-38mm-x-2mm

Microdots

http://www.stix2.co.uk/micro-dots-on-a-roll-9mm-x-9.1m?filter_name=Micro%20dots

A4 yellow gingham cardstock

http://www.stix2.co.uk/lemon-gingham-card?filter_name=Gingham

Ivory 8x8 card stock - cut down to 7x7"

http://www.stix2.co.uk/ivory-card-and-envelopes-8''-8''?filter_name=Ivory

Non stick craft sheet

http://www.stix2.co.uk/non-stick-crafting-sheet-15-inch-x-18-inch?filter_name=Non%20stick

Bazzill Basics;

Deep yellow smooth card stock

Black smooth card stock

Additional;

Spectrum noir pencils 

 Nature set - 094, 092, 044, 108 & 113

 Floral set - 016 & 088

Blending solution

Paper stumps for blending

True black spectrum noir pen

Tuxedo black memento ink pad 

Brother ScanNCut

Step by step;

1- Cut a piece of yellow gingham card stock to 6 3/4" X 6 3/4" and stamp the triple honeycomb design randomly onto the card. 

2- Once stamped, Matt onto deep yellow card stock then again onto black card stock. Then attach onto card blank. 

3- Using the hexagon shape in my brother scan n cut machine, I have cut a piece of the following coloured card stock to each size; 

Black card stock to 6 3/4" X 5 1/2"

Deep yellow stock to 5" X 5 1/4" (outside) and 4 1/2" X 4" (inside)

Yellow gingham stock to 5 3/4" X 5" (outside) and 4 3/4" X 4 1/4"

4- Using the deep yellow hexagon shape, I have drawn a light pencil line around the inside onto a piece of white smooth card stock. This gives me a guide of where to stamp into. 

5- Using your chosen colouring medium, colour in your stamped design. In my case, I have chosen spectrum noir pencils. Once coloured, lightly rub out the pencil line.

6- Using the deep yellow hexagon place onto your coloured image and attach using your adhesive. When I'm place, trim the excess off. 

7- Assemble the additional hexagon layers and attach to the card base of the honey comb stamped yellow gingham card using 3D foam pads. 

8- Take a bumble bee laser cut shape and colour in using a black permanent pen. I have used spectrum noir black pen. Attach to your card using adhesives.

 

9- Add a few black gems in top corner and card is complete.

Melbourne elegance with Sue Wilson.

Well 2nd blog post in a week? Somethings strange is going on? 

 This blog post is all about Sue Wilson. If you have seen my posts on my card creations page (www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations) then you will know how much I love sues die collections by Creative Expressions. To me personally, they are the best. So detailed yet easy to use. You can go all out and create a gorgeous card using many of the dies together or you can also create a simple card using 1 die and for it to equally look gorgeous. 

 This card is one that Iv taken idea elements from a card she previously made but I have used the Australian die collection, well the Melbourne die set. I have used a piece of her brand new paper pad in the background too. It's very subtle and discreet in the background but it really helps to add that bit of interest. 

 The centre square has been created using "Yorkshire Dales" Guilding flakes by Indigo Blu and a4 double sided sheet from Stix2. Guilding flakes to me were abit like glitter in the fact I didn't enjoy using them as the slight breeze or breath and they went everywhere. Now, I really do love guiding flakes. The look and effects that you get are simply stunning and indigo Blu produce some of the most stunning colour shades. 

 

 The way I have created this card is as follows;

I have taken a piece of white textured card and cut it to 7 1/2" X 7 1/2". Then Using my fiskars trimmer I have created an aperture in the centre of the White card. Leaving an 1 1/2"'border all around. 

Then I have Matted it onto black card that is 3mm bigger Than the White card and again cut an aperture from the black card leaving roughly a 3mm border on the outside.

I have placed a piece of Sue Wilson background paper on the back of the aperture so it shows through. 

I have placed the guided squared in the centre of the background aperture but used 3D foam pads to create a raised element. 

I have then used the Melbourne dies and cut the black card stock with all the die detail and then used just the outside die to cut the White card, this gives the detailed black die cut a platform to sit on. 

I have then die cut a circle in the middle of the Melbourne die cut to create another circle aperture. You may need to run the die through twice as its 2 thickness of card stock it's cutting. As its a plain circle shape, like mine, it should cut first time.

I have then stamped my sentiment onto white smooth card stock and placed my Melbourne aperture die cut on top using 3D foam pads. This gives the look you are looking into the die cut to read the sentiment. When stamping sentiments I always use Tuxedo Black ink pad by Memento. 

Added a hand tied bow and black and white pearls to compete the card.

Creative Expressions;

Sue Wilson Australian die collection;

 Melbourne die set - CED8105

Sue Wilson 8x8 paper pad;

 Classic Elegance Collection - CEPP0001

John Lockwood Elements stamps, scribble rose - CED712

Stix2;

9mm double sided tape

3D foam pads 

Silicone glue 

Pva glue with metal tip

Masking tape

Double sided adhesive sheets

8x8 card blank

8x8 cello bag

Bazzill basics;

Black smooth card stock

White textured card stock

White smooth card stock

Hunkydory crafts;

3mm white pearls 

3mm black gems

Additional items;

19mm black satin ribbon - Own stash 

"Yorkshire Dales" Guilding flakes - Indigo Blu

Tuxedo black Memento black ink pad

Little bit of Leonie Love.

Can't believe this, I'm actually blogging........again. I know I say each time but I really need to get into the habit of blogging with full details. I do enjoy blogging but like anything in life, it's the sitting the down and doing it. Suppose the good thing this day and age is it can be done not just on a laptop or pc but the trusted iPad and my iPhone come in handy.

 So that being said, what better range and card to start a new season of blogging with other than Leonie Pujol brand new range of Masks and Stencils that have been produced for her by Crafters Companion.   

 I love the idea and concept of Leonie's new range of building a design and/picture to create your projects. It's all about building layers and given definition. 

The first one I chose to use was "Love" mask. I chose to use just 2 sets of stamps and to have the main background colour red - of course red and love go together.  

To create this card, this is what I done;

-  I took a piece of Hunkydory crafts "Ink me" card stock and cut it to 6"x6" in size. 

 

- I placed my "love" stencil in the middle using a temp adhesive by Crafters Companion - Stick and Spray. 

 

- I stamped my design first. Most of which was random but some were specifically stamped in place. 

- When I was happy with how it looked I Placed low tack masking tape by Stix2 round the edges of the card stock. 

- Using a round blending tool, I dabbed the colour over the stamped design, leaving the "Love" mask in place. Most of the colour used is Fire Brick but over the "Love" I have also used some Mustard Seed too. 

- I took my chosen Promarker colours and coloured in certain elements of the design. The colour won't be as bold as the distressed colour underneith with dilute the colour strength. 

- Before removing the "Love" mask I have drawn round it with a grey Promarker pen. This will give it a slight shadow effect. 

- I Then peeled off the low tack masking tape to unveil the finished design. Next, I mattet and layered it onto a piece of Black card stock by Bazzill Basics and added 3D foam pads to the back. 

 

- For the background I chose a piece of patterned paper from a 12x12 paper pad I bought in Michaels store in New York City last year. I trimmed it down to 7 3/4" X 7 3/4"'and matted it onto a piece of black card stock. I then attached it to my 8x8 card blank. 

- To finish off I added a few black gems in the corners.

-

I had so much fun making this card and can't wait to get creating again using lots more of the stamps, masks and stencils. They are so versatile and can be used to create simple cards or very detailed cards and projects.

The full list of products Iv used are;

Leonie Pujol;

"Love" Mask & Stencil set

 "Inky Notes" Photopolymer stamps

"Arrow to the Art" photopolymer stamps 

Hunkydory crafts;

 "Ink me" card stock

3mm black pearls 

Stix2;

9mm double sided tape - FPAL2732950

3D foam pads - S57137

Low tack stencil tape - S56994

Non stick craft sheet - S57132

8x8 card blank

8x8 cello bag - K624

  

Promarkers;

Ice grey 2

Poppy

Pastel green

Tawny owl 

Apple cider 

Distress inks;

 Fire Brick

 Mustard seed

 

Additional items;

 "Tattered & Worn" 12x12" paper pad - Recollections - Michaels

Black smooth card - Bazzill Basics 

Stick & spray - Crafters Companion 

Onyx Black Versa fine ink pad

 

Craig X 

Butterfly fly high A5 card

A5 stamped butterfly card

Hello, thanks for popping across to my blog to have a look and a read. It's very much appreciated. This card I have blogging has been made with stamps that came free with the latest Crafters Inspiration magazine. It's the first time I have bought this magazine but it's not often you see a magazine with £50 of freebies and freebies that are actually useful. I dug out my distress inks, Promarkers and masking tape and had fun. 

 The white card stock I have used to stamp and colour onto is one of Stix2 A5 card blank. I cut one in half to the size I needed and matted and layered on yellow and black textured card by Bazzill Basics. 

 It's a vibrant but fresh card to help lift our moods as we come into the Spring & Summer months. 

The products I have used to create this card are; 

Crafters Companion;

Butterfly & sentiment stamp free with "Crafters Inspiration" magazine issue 9 Spring - Crafters Companion.

 

Bazzill Basics;

White smooth card stock 

Yellow textured card 

Black textured card 

Stix2 Anything;

A5 card blank & envelope

A5 card (cut in half)

9mm double sided tape 

Pva glue with metal tip

Masking tape 

Ranger;

Mustard seed distress ink pads - Ranger

Fired Brick distress ink pads - Ranger

Spiced Marmalade distress ink pad - Ranger

Round distress blending tool

Promarker;

Ice grey 2 Promarker 

Pastel yellow Promarker

Pink lobster Promarker

Rose pink Promarker

Additional products;

Tuxedo black ink pad - memento 

3mm black gems - Mei Flower Crafts

 

1- Before matting and layering i placed strips of masking tapes at angles across the White card base and using my blending tools and distress ink I coloured in the strips. 

2- I stamped 2 full butterflies across the coloured strips in each corner of the card stock using tuxedo black ink pad. I then stamped another 2 butterflies but I stamped them off the page. I have also taken 2 of the free sentiments and stamped them along one of the coloured lines. 

3- Then using a grey pen in this case Ice Grey 2 Promarker I have drawn round each of the stamped butterflies. This helps to give an extra bit of dimension and interest. 

4- Now Matt and layer onto your yellow and black card stock before attaching to your card base. 

5- Taken another piece of white card stock, I stamped out 2 butterflies and coloured them in using Promarkers - you can of course colour in with any of your chosen mediums.

6- Add a bit of wet glue to the back of the butterflies body and place directly on top of the 2 full stamped butterflies. Once dried, pull out the butterflies wings up to give dimension. 

7- To finish off, add 3 black gems in each corner.

-

www.stix2.co.uk

www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations 

Craig xx

"True Love" lasts forever 8x8 Card.

Thought it was about time I done another blog post. Really trying hard to do more but it can be hard can't it with busy lives. I also post my cards on my Card Creation Facebook page with all the products I have used but I do like to blog them too and to try and include more detail where possible. 

 Now with Valentine's getting closer and closer I thought I would make an 8x8 card solely using Hunkydory Crafts and Stix2 products.

 First of, did you know that Stix2 have their own range of card blanks & envelopes? They come in packs of 6 and are available in white or Ivory. Plus they come in a variety of popular sizes - A5, 8x8, DL and 6x6 to name a few plus they also produce their cello bags to package them in once created and ready to sell, if that's what you do with your cards. It a great way to keep them clean and look professional. Plus the finish of the card blanks are exceptional so exceptional that you can even stamp on them. I can't say if they are also intended for that but I have stamped and coloured on them and the finished outcome looks just as glorious as if you were to use a white stamping card. Keep an eye out as very soon I will be blogging a card Iv made using stamps in which the stamps have been stamped onto Stix2 White card blanks. The other good thing about them is you can print onto them too. When I print my sentiments myself, I print onto white smooth card by Bazzill Basics but I wanted to test out Stix2 card so I chopped an A5 in half and ran it through my printer. The sentiment printed just perfectly on to the card stock, so when you purchase the card blanks you are at least getting 3 uses out of them - card blank, stamping card and printing card.

1 - I chose the Love birds topper to start with then the coordinated background card. I have cut the coordinated card stock to 7 1/2" X 7 1/2" and then matted and layered it onto a piece of light grey adorable scorable card stock and then again onto gold Mirri card. Each layer leaves a 5mm border all round.

 2 - I have taken one of the printed borders and also matter and layered onto the matching grey adorable scorable card and gold Mirri. Then I attached it to the right hand side of the card base. 

3 - I then have attached the layered card base to the card blank. 

4 - I have placed 3D foam pads on the back of the "the love nest" topper and matted and layered onto matching grey adorable scorable card and gold Mirri card. Each layer again leaving a 5mm border all around. 

5 - Attach the matted and layered topper onto your card blank. 

6 - Print out your sentiment or take one that comes with the topper sheet and Matt and layer onto matching card stock/Mirri card. Again leaving a 5mm border all round. Attach to card base using 3D foam pads. 

7 - Tie a bow using 16mm Red satin ribbon (or any colour/sized ribbon) and attach to top left hand corner of topper using silicone glue. 

8 - Add your gold gems to your chosen areas of your card to finish it off. 

This card has been made all revolving around matting and layering. By adding 1 or 2 layers, you can pull the eye into your card design by just following these simply steps. 

The products I have used to create this card are below;

Hunkydory Crafts 

"True Love" Collection

"The love nest" topper sheet 

Coordinated background card

Light great Adorable Scorable 

3mm gold gems

Stix2 Anything

9mm double sided tape - FPAL2732950

Silicone glue - S57100

16mm red satin ribbon - S57209

A5 White card blank - for printed sentiment - 

8x8 card blank & envelope 

8x8 clear cello bag - k624

Additional 

Gold Mirri  card - Mirri Brand

For more information on Stix2 Anything and Hunkydory Crafts products, head across to their websites; www.stix2.co.uk 

www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk

Also, to keep up to date with all my cards and projects, head across to my Card Creations FaceBook Page;

 www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations 

Thank you 

Craig x

Diamond Delight

Well it's taken a while but here I am, blogging again and my first blog post of 2016. Can't believe we are near the end of January already and heading into February. 

 Lots going on with the lead up of Valentines Day and then Easter, not forgetting sandwiched in-between that is Mothers Day. So will be busy getting cards made for all hear occasions. Not just for sale but samples for Hunkydory Crafts and also Stix2 Anything.

 Earlier this month I was asked by Hunkydory Crafts to spend time with them and Demo for them in their Inspirations shop in Preston. On day one I was demoing Obsession Impression dies and stamps then on the second day I was demoing what was their latest collection "Gentleman's Journey" this was their first day it was available for sale out with Create And Crafts 30 day exclusive time frame. I had a lot of fun and all the staff were very kind and looked after me. Of course I could leave without stocking up on goodies for personal use although I was also given free rein to stock up on products for the samples I make for Hunkydory Craft, so that was very much fun. Between design team stock and products I bought, I had to have it all couriered back to myself - all 3 boxes. 

 One of the products I purchased at Inspirations were one of Sue Wilsons striplet dies. In my opinion Sue Wilsons dies are my favourite, I love them, the style and the versatility of them. The die I purchased was the "striplet stacked diamond die" this is a great die to use as the main focal point as I have done in this blog post or it can be used as a subtitle extra or to even cut up and use elements of it. 

 This 8x8 card Iv made is using the striplet die and using it 3 times. 2 have been matted and layered and the centre has been attached using double layers of 3D foam pads. 

1- I have cut a piece of Adorable Scorable to 7 1/2" X 7 1/2" and matted and layered it onto a piece of Truffle Mirri card and then again onto Silver Mirri Dazzle card. 

2- I have die cut 3 of the striplet dies using the same Adorable Scorable card stock and then backed it using the Truffle Mirri card. 

3- I have layered 2 of them on a piece of Silver Miri Dazzle card using 3D foam pads and then matted and layered onto another piece of Truffle Mirri card. 

4- The centre die cut has been attached using double layers of 3D foam pads. 

5- I have added a printed sentiment to the bottom that's been matted and layered too.

6- In each of the centre points Iv added a colour matching 4mm pearl apart from the centre of the die cuts where Iv added a black pearl. 

The card in itself it quite a straight forward card that revolves around matting and layering aswell as die cutting the striplet dies. It's a card that can be made for a variety of occasions. Simply by changing can match the occasion the card is intended for. 

 The products I have used to create this 8x8 card are below;

Stix2 Anything;

9mm double sided tape - FPAL2732950

19x38x3mm 3D foam pads - S57137

Pva glue with metal precision tip - S56890

8x8 card blank and envelope 

Non stick craft sheet - S57132

A4 die cut release sheet - S57316

6mm ultra strong red liner tape - S57090

Low tack stencil tape - S56994

8x8 clear cello bags - K624

Hunkydory craft;

Light mint Adorable Scorable 

Silver Mirri Dazzle card

Sue Wilson (Creative Expression) Die set;

Striplet Stacked Diamond Die - CED1609

Additional;

Truffle Mirri card - "Mirri" brand

White smooth card stock for sentiment - Bazzill Basics

4mm light mint and black pearls - Mei Flower Craft

www.stix2.co.uk

www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk

www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations 

Until my next blog post, thanks for reading and feel free to share. 

Craig x

Rudolph the Pink nosed Reindeer & friends.

So we are now into October, how scary! Funnily enough it's the month to be scared isn't it with Halloween round the corner. So with as Halloween is just round the corner, I have decided to make a........girl pink Christmas card! The products used to create this card is 98% all Stix2 products, including the card blank! Yip you heard me right. Stix2 now do card blanks in a range of different sizes, even better, you get the envelopes to. Not all places supply the envelopes, I know that's crazy isn't it. 

 The stamp Iv used is from Woodware, and is called Rudolph and friends. However instead of colouring it with traditional colours to match the design. I have coloured it in different shades of pinks to make it a very girly card. As I always do with most of my stamped images, I draw around the stamped image with a grey pen. The image and the sentiment is actually also stamped onto white card by stix2. I have cut an A5 card blank in half and stamped the image onto that. The card is smooth crisp and clean and is a lovely surface to not only stamp onto but also colour. It holds the coloured ink very well. 

A5 card blank and envelope (6 pack) - S57342.

A4 pink gingham card (each) - A4250PINKSMALLGHIN

White hammered card stock (each) - A4300WHITEHAMMERED

9mm double sided tape - FPAL2732950.

6mm red liner ultra sticky tape - S57090.

Silicone glue - S57100.

10mm X 1mm X 50m 3D foam on a roll - GPAL110310150

16mm Baby Pink satin ribbon - S57210.

Rainbow white iridescent glitter (2 X 8g tubes) - S57304.

Layer perfect metric - S57321

A5 clear cello bags - S57314

Rudolph and friends stamp (FRS320) - Woodware Craft Collection.

Pink textured card stock - Bazzill Basics.

Tuxedo black ink pad - Memento 

Pro markers pens

Pink lobster

Rose pink

Ruby

Pastel pink

Dusky pink

Ice grey 2

- I have matted the coloured image on Pink textured card stock by Bazzill Basic and I have placed 1mm 3D foam from a roll on the back to give it extra dimension. 

 

- I have then taken another piece of Pink gingham card stock and cut so it's 1cm smaller all around than the A5 card blank. 

- Then I have taken a piece of White hammered card stock that's 5mm larger than the Pink gingham (or you can use your layer perfect) and placed a strip of 6mm red liner ultra strong tape all around. Peel the backing off the tape and coat well using the iridescent white glitter. Making sure you rub the glitter into the tape to ensure theirs a full coverage. 

- As double sided tape won't adhere to glitter. Take your Pink Gingam card and place silicone glue on the back and attach to your White hammered card with the glitter edges. Now mat this double layer onto a piece of Pink textured card stock by Bazzill Basics. 

- Before attaching the mats onto the card black, place a stip of 16mm Baby Pink satin ribbon down the left hand size and secure firmly on the back using double sided tape. Now attach to card blank. 

- Take you stamped image that has the 3D foam on the back and attach to your card base. Stamp your chosen sentiment   and mat onto Pink Bazzill card stock. Attach using 3D foam. 

- Tie a Pink bow and attach using silicone glue. 

You could also repeat this process and create a card but for a boy. You could use the Baby Blue gingham card stock, Blue Bazzill Basics and of course colour the image in with blue shades of Promarkers.

www.facebook.com/craigscardcreations 

www.stix2.co.uk

sales@stix2.co.uk

Craig x